At Corgi Socks, our history is steeped in British tradition,
craftsmanship, and a deep connection to heritage. Last week, we had the immense
honour of welcoming Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, to our factory in
Ammanford, Wales. It was a day that will forever be etched in the heart of our
team and our brand’s legacy. 

The Arrival of Royalty

On the day of the visit, the air was electric with
excitement. As Princess Kate arrived, greeted by Chris and
Lisa (the founders’ grandchildren), her warmth and genuine interest in our
work immediately shone through. What made this visit even more special was
discovering Princess Kate’s personal connection to the world of wool and
craftsmanship. Her paternal ancestors have ties to a woollen mill in Yorkshire,
highlighting her family’s connection to British textile heritage. Additionally,
her early career included working for the fashion brand Jigsaw, where she
developed an appreciation for design and high-quality materials.

Design Conversations with The Princess

Dressed elegantly and exuding grace, she took the time to
greet and chat with everyone she met starting with the our small team of
designers. Her interest in our work felt deeply rooted in her own experiences,
making the day even more meaningful. We could have chatted with her all day!
Our head designer, Hayley, led the chat with Princess Kate about our
collaboration with the William Morris Gallery and our collection of socks
inspired by the 18th Century artist. Hayley shared insights into how we transform
designs from a 2D image to reality, blending timeless artistry with modern
techniques. Princess Kate showed a keen interest in the creative process,
emphasizing her appreciation for the seamless fusion of tradition and
innovation in our work.

A Tour Through Tradition

During her visit, Princess Kate was given an exclusive
behind-the-scenes tour of our factory. She observed the intricate process of
creating our luxury socks, and knitwear from selecting the finest yarns to
the precision of our knitting machines. 

Moments to Treasure

Her fascination with the craft was evident, as she asked
thoughtful questions and even took a moment to try her hand at a few of the
machines under the guidance of our expert craftspeople. She spent time chatting with our team, showing genuine interest in their stories and roles.

Our linker Shauna, showed the Princess how to link a sock closed which is harder than it looks! Before leaving, Princess Kate was gifted a Ribbed Zip Cashmere Cardigan in Ecru, a pair of Pure Cashmere Bed Socks in Navy for herself, designed especially for her visit and Cashmere Wrap in Navy for her mum who was celebrating her 70th Birthday the next day. They were given to the Princess by Chris Jones' 12 year old daughter Cari. 

What This Means for Corgi Socks

Having Princess Kate visit our factory is more than an honour; it’s a testament to the importance of heritage brands like ours in today’s world. It’s a moment that reinforces the value of craftsmanship,
tradition, and the hard work of every individual who contributes to our
success.

We’re incredibly proud to be recognized in this way and are excited to carry forward the momentum from this royal visit. This event has strengthened our resolve to continue innovating while staying true to our roots.

Thank You, Princess Kate

As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Princess Kate for taking the time to visit us.
Her kindness, curiosity, and appreciation for what we do have left a lasting
impression on all of us at Corgi Socks.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes
photos, team interviews, and more reflections from this special day on our blog
and social media channels. Be sure to follow us for more updates and insights
into the craftsmanship that caught the eye of royalty.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for celebrating
this incredible milestone with us. Diolch!